The Detroit Lions are riding high as one of the NFL’s top teams, heading into the final month of the regular season with an impressive 11-1 record. With aspirations of securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed—offering both a bye week and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs—the Lions aim for a perfect December to solidify their position.
While the players focus on a potential Super Bowl run, the front office must begin planning for the offseason. By mid-January, when most NFL teams shift their focus to the draft and free agency, Detroit will also need to be ready, especially with several impending free agents on their roster.
Among offseason predictions, Bleacher Report speculates that the Lions could target defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, a former first-round pick who has struggled to live up to expectations. With Levi Onwuzurike and John Cominsky set to become free agents in 2025, Kinlaw might be considered a cost-effective option to fill potential gaps in the defensive line.
Onwuzurike has underwhelmed since being drafted 41st overall in 2021, recording just 3.5 sacks over three seasons while struggling with injuries. Although Cominsky has been more productive (6.5 sacks in two seasons), missing the entire 2024 season casts doubt on his future with the team.
However, Kinlaw’s track record raises serious concerns. Drafted 14th overall in 2020, the South Carolina product has been widely regarded as a bust. Over three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Kinlaw managed just 5.0 sacks, and his production hasn’t improved this year with the New York Jets, where he’s added only 2.5 sacks 
javon kinlaw
Worse yet, Kinlaw has struggled with consistency and technique. His four missed tackles this season are double what he recorded in his first three years combined, reflecting a troubling decline in reliability.
For a contender like the Lions, taking a chance on a high-risk, high-reward player like Kinlaw might be tempting, given their current success and depth. However, the significant downside could make GM Brad Holmes think twice before making such a move this offseason.
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